It's random, lovely, full of misspelled words and terrible punctuation. It's about me, Erin, my family and friends, in real life. There's sugar but no sugar coating.
"Come what may, and love it!......Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result." ~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Another year has gone by. I have to say it's been a good one. A rough one, but a good one. One I won't forget. A little angel came into our lives, Heath completed a year of grad school (making a year and a half total), Noah started school and found out what Star Wars is, and I learned a little bit about canning peaches and applesauce and a lot about myself.
It's true that Asher has a little raspy voice right now from all his coughing and it sounds so cute. Also true that I will probably be in bed by 10:00 pm (that is midnight in PA).
Well, I have no pictures because I didn't bring the cord to my camera to Utah, sorry! My boys have been sick. Fever, runny noses, coughs and extra snugly (I don't mind that part). I should feel lucky that Asher made it 11 months without a fever. We took them to the Doctor yesterday. Dr. Marsden. He was Noah's pediatrician when we lived here and I absolutely LOVE him. I mean LOVE him! He's very thorough and detailed, very nice, funny, and always remembers us. While we were there finding out that Noah had an ear infection and Asher had a viral infection in his throat (which resulted in less eating, more crying, and well... you get the picture), I told him I wanted his opinion about Asher. I told him everything. The nerve injury, the throwing up, the poor weight gain, the gaging...everything. Then he told us what he would do. Lets just say I asked if he would write it all down. My first thought was WHY didn't the doctors we have been seeing do all these things. Then questions. There was a test he thought might be good for Asher called a sweat test. I told Dr. Marsden that he does sweat a lot. He said it doesn't really have much to do with sweating. He said it was to test for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis? I knew exactly what this was because of my physical therapy training. I have never treated anyone with this illness but knew a person with it. My heart started beating quickly, I think timed actually stood still, and I felt sick. My feelings must have spread quickly to my face because the next words out of Dr. Marsden's mouth were, "I don't want to scare you. The chances are very slim but we want to rule everything out." Our insurance is not good in Utah so we decided to wait until we get home to get the test done. Upon leaving the office my mind and heart went to prayer. I reflected on this past year with all it's doctors appointments, worrying, wondering and tears. Then came the good part...the eternal perspective, remembering my faith, remembering all the blessings. I was comforted and knew that whatever happened I could handle it. Whatever happened would be what Heavenly Father wanted for us. I have to say that the old me might have curled up in bed and cried for a while. Not yesterday, I admit that I shed a few tears but I feel like the faith that I have gained has prepared me (in a way) for whatever lies ahead. I'm not saying it will be easy, just easier.
I need thee every hour, Most gracious Lord.
No tender voice like thine can peace afford.
I need thee , oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee!
Oh, bless me now my Savior; I come to thee!
Today I cried a little. I was worrying about my boys. Noah found me crying.
Noah: What's wong, owie?
Me: No, mommy is sad.
Noah: fire? hot?
Me: No, mommy is sad.
He wiped a tear from my face and said, "wash?" which I think means "wipe" because when he wants his nose wiped he says, "washy nose?".
What a sweet baby. I cried a little more. I love my babies.
And there were in the same country shephards abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Asher went to Shriner's today. He weighed in at 15 pounds 12 ounces which is a gain from the weight loss last visit. There was happiness but no celebration.
We had our ward Christmas party last Friday and guess who was there? Yep, Santa Claus. I wasn't sure how Noah would respond to him this year. We've been watching The Polar Express and Elf some so he gets the idea of Santa. When the news was that Santa was coming down the hall Noah's face lite up. When he came in the room Noah turned to me and said, "Mommy, look!" We went up front and waited our turn in line to talk to Santa. Noah kept saying, "My turn?, My turn?". We finally got to Santa and Noah was so shy. He didn't sit in his lap but I told him to say hi and he did. I told him to tell Santa that he wanted a choo choo and he did. Then I told him to hug Santa and he did. All too cute.
This is the only shot I got because my camera is a little more than a few years old and it takes a while in between taking pictures.
Asher, however, not so fond of Santa.
I was thinking about how I admire people who are true to who they are under difficult circumstances. Like people that don't fuel the fire of gossip or people that are not so quick to judge others. Here, let me explain or better yet let me give you an example. Just know that I have repented. :)
A few months ago Heath and I were driving down the main road in a near by town. I noticed a yard that wasn't so nice looking. Toys were everywhere, maybe a little trash, and some things that could certainly use some straightening. I commented and said,"Why would someone living on this main road keep their yard so messy?" I didn't expect what came next. Heath looked at me then answered something like this, "Maybe a single mother that works two jobs lives in that home. Maybe she is using the time she does have to spend with her children instead of picking up her yard." Nothing like that had even crossed my mind. What if? My heart softened and my judgmental attitude quickly turned to prayer. A prayer to repent and a prayer for whoever lived in that home. If it was true or not true, it didn't matter. I prayed for whoever was in that home. Heath is a good example to me.
It's true that I saw a real sugar plum the other day. I didn't even know they were real. Also true that the new Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is Noah's favorite movie right now. And true that Charlie Bucket is really wise beyond his years. Some more truth is that I wish that the room where everything is eatable (including the grass) really existed and that I could go in it. I'm thinking I might tend to be a little on the Augustus Gloop side of things. Don't judge me! :)
I can't believe how fast December is flying.
it's going to be Christmas before I know it.
It snowed yesterday.
when I looked out the window I couldn't help but think it looked like a Christmas card
The week before last Asher was sick with a cold
almost every time he coughed he would gag and throw up
I felt like he was throwing up every feeding
i would say a prayer each time hoping that he would keep it down
last Wednesday's appointment at Shriner's showed the effects. he lost weight. stink and a few tears!
on top of that, last week he wouldn't eat.
He would cry at the very sight of a bottle.
i found myself trying to force feed him which only worked some of the time.
this is very hard on a mother.
I finally called the doctor on Friday.
She said to take the polycose out of his bottle (used to increase calories) and try a cup
I did
things have slowly gotten better
Sunday he started eating better
yesterday he ate more then he has ever eaten in his life (volume)
he's eating solids with more ease and less gagging
He hasn't thrown up in about a week (which is the best it's been since his birth, i think)
Things are really looking up.
I learned something at last Relief Society session of conference.
we were encouraged to pray to be equal to the task and not always to ask for our burdens to be lightened
that's what i got out of it anyway
I admit at times I really want to ask for my burdens to be lightened, really, really
and maybe sometimes I do
but there is something to be said of asking to be strengthen that you might be able to endure
I love when Noah says mom or mommy. His speech delay still makes this new and precious for me.
This morning he said "I luf you" without me saying it first.
my heart was happy.
He and Asher played a little today
both were laughing and again my heart was happy.
Be thou humble in thy weakness, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee,
Shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.
Be thou humble in thy pleading, and the Lord thy God shall bless thee,
Shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that he cares.
- Be Thou Humble - pg. 130 of the LDS Hymnal
Asher did so well with his occupation therapy today. It was the best session to date. He has started clapping. It's so cute. He mostly just moves the left arm. He is starting to bear more weight through his right arm and becoming a little more mobile but not much.
Heath made Noah and Asher swords and hats out of newspaper and a little bit of tape. Noah is so into swords right now. He says ,"come on cha cha". "Cha cha" is what his he says when he swings his sword so basically it means "come on lets sword fight". The other day he said dangerous. This is a big word for a kid in speech therapy:). He's doing so well.
Thanksgiving was good. We spent it with our friends the Householders and On Friday the Coburns invited us over to eat another Thanksgiving dinner. Donna had to work on Thursday so she had everyone over on Friday. It was like a dream...awesome food two days in a row with awesome friends. St. George for Christmas.
Christmas is around the corner. Stockings are hung and the tree is decorated. Noah understands who Santa is and it makes it a little more fun for me.
I have to admit I don't rock Asher near as much as I rocked Noah. While Noah was napping today we rocked. It was quiet, just us and we rocked. He laid his head on my shoulder and I kissed his sweet little cheeks and smelled his baby smell. Not much could be better.
I did't get a picture of Noah because he wouldn't stay in one place long enough.
It's true that it's snowing today. Also true that I did not go shopping this year on black Friday and that I'm not really sure what the deal is with cyber Monday. Who started that?
Asher and the progress he has made with his weight and his arm Noah and the things he does and says that make me laugh Heath and that he is a hard worker
the growth that I have experienced this year (I am truly a new lady) washable crayons and markers ladybugs (that they invaded our house and not scorpions or snakes)
running and drinkable water my interest in emergency preparedness and food storage
the restored gospel of Jesus Christ
ALL of my family The feelings I have when I talk to my Mother a pellet stove that works most of the time that Asher sleeps well good friends
These are just a few of the things I'm thankful for. There's not enough time in the day to finish.
We drove 3 1/2 hours yesterday to get the Palmyra temple (click here to learn more about LDS temples and how families can be together forever). Our friends the Nazelrods got sealed together as a forever family. Heath and I had been debating who would go in the temple and who would stay out with the kids. Last week I thought I would just stay home with the kids because it would be too hard to figure out a way for someone to watch them. Heath said we should all go. You have to make reservations at this temple because it is small and well attended. I made a reservation to go to the sealing hoping (but not knowing) that I would be able to go. I had not made a reservation to do an endowment session.On Thursday I said a prayer that I might be able to go in the temple. I didn't know who would watch the kids and it is so hard for me to leave Asher because I worry so. An answer came with a question asking If I believed that it was possible, that He (Heavenly Father) could make it possible. I knew he could. The next day a lady from our ward called to tell me she was sorry that she missed the emergency preparedness class I had taught the night before. She also told me that she would not be able to attend the temple on Saturday (I wasn't sure why she told me that part but whatever). Friday night Chris Nazelrod called and asked if he could borrow Heath's pants and asked that we be at the temple by noon. We left at 8:15 am and did arrive at noon. Heath planned on staying outside with the kids so that I could go in for the sealing. He was sick this week and said that it might be better if I went in. We were there at noon and the sealing wasn't until 3. The endowment session started at 1:30. I then realized that we were there in time for the session and that the lady from my ward that called me on Friday wasn't going to be there. I went into the temple and asked if I might be able to take her spot in the endowment session. They said I could. I came out to tell Heath, kissed him goodbye with tears in my eyes realizing all the things that had worked together for me to get to go into the temple. I sat in the small waiting area with my bag and the bishop came and sat by me. We talked and a temple worker approached and asked the bisphop if I was a friend. He explained who I was and told him that Heath was outside with the kids. I am a cry baby. I get this from my mom. I couldn't hold the tears back. I felt blessed and grateful. Blessed that Heavenly Father answered my prayer once again and grateful that my husband let ME go in the temple. The man saw my tears and explained he knew how I was feeling. He asked if he could watch my kids. He only lived a few minutes away and would love to watch the kids. His wife walked by and agreed. I told them that Heath hadn't even dressed for the temple and explained Asher's condition. He asked if when we came again he could watch the kids. I told him that would be very nice. I, of coarse, continued to cry. I made my way though the session and into the sealing room. The man that sealed the Nazelrods was the same sweet man that offered to watch my kids. After the sealing and on my way out of the room the man stopped me again and told me to not forget his offer. I told him I wouldn't. I couldn't get to the dressing room fast enough. I was ready to see my little family outside of the temple. I told Heath of the man and his offer and the man walked out of the temple right after I was done talking about him. His home was just right up the hill. Heath said only the temple president would live in that house. It was the temple president I told him. It said President on his tag. I had not put two and two together until that moment. Again I began to cry. I don't know exactly what the duties of a temple president are but I know he must be busy but he offered to take care of my children so that I could be in the holy house of the Lord with MY husband. What a sweet experience and a good day.
In the car on the way. Noah ignoring me :)
I love this picture because of Asher's cute face. Makes me laugh. Made it to the temple. It was cold.
After
The Nazelrods
...Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior may I learn to love thee - Lord, I would follow thee...In the quiet heart is hidden Sorrow that the eye can't see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee. -Lord, I Would Follow Thee (pg. 220 LDS Hymnal)
It's near my house. It's Located on the side of a home in Cambridge Springs, PA. 24688 Highway 99 to be exact. I always pass their sign and talk about going in and well, today I did.
If you go you'll probably be pleasantly greeted by Bill. He'll let you try one piece of any chocolate you choose. I chose a piece with peanut butter, caramel, and pretzel. Yummy! Heath stayed in the car with Asher but Bill said he could have a chocolate too, so I picked some sort of cheesecake chocolate (I can't remember the name). Heath really liked it, said it had the crust and all in there.When we left we were told to have a sweet day. A great little shop really!
Bill also HAND paints and air brushes Ganache. They come in hazelnut coffee, chocolate raspberry, coconut, orange, maple syrup, and honey shots (filled with real honey).
We also got a chocolate covered graham cracker called "Mammo-Graham". Part of the proceeds are donated to The NightLight Ministries for Women. This was Asher's favorite.
It's true that normally I would not give my 10 month old chocolate but he was actually putting it in his mouth (which is good) and he liked it. He had an appointment today at Shriner's and gained 11 ounces (YIPPEE!) in one week. He's 15 pounds 11 ounces as of today.
Told us to try Cheerios and mashed potatoes (not together).
He hates anything that's even a little bit solid in his mouth.
Makes him gag and puke.
OT is bringing textured brushes/spoons next week to try to desensitize his mouth.
Back to weekly appointment.
He's still happy.
He still worries me.
At the grocery store today he had the attention of at least 10 women entering the store. (at the same time). They were ooooing and awwwing. It was pretty funny. One lady said, "He is so sweet." I agree.
He's a shy little flirt.
Noah is loving preschool. He walks in, hangs his coat in his cubby, and off to play with the kids.
He started eating lunch there this week. I think he likes it. Mostly the chocolate milk.
He is still in diapers. My sister is sending potty scotty.
He loves trocolate (chocolate).
He is learning lots of great things at school.
He kills me when he puts his hands together and says,"Please, mommy"
It's true that on the way to pick Heath up from school tonight I hit a deer. Not a ton of damage was done to the car but unfortunately the damage to the deer shortened it's poor little life. (please don't cry, Heidi) Also true that Asher is still in size 2 diapers.
**WARNING** Some pictures may not be suitable for young children.
Well, Heath did it! This morning he left early to go hunting. Whitetail deer, 11 pointer! WOW! My husband the hunter.
My next project will be canning and freezing meat.
Is he going to cry?
Deric and Heidi came over to help. Deric helped Heath get the deer out of the woods. Heidi didn't know that she would be helping. She's a strong lady and helped get the deer off the ground for skinning purposes.
This is way too funny not to post.
It's true that Heath has been on cloud 9 all day. Also true that Deric almost puked while they were gutting the deer. Noah loved it. He went around with his little, pretend gun shooting the deer.
Noah's first day of school was Thursday. I might have been more nervous than he was. He did great. He walked in and looked at all the kids and all the toys and decided it was all right. Today when I walked him into class he started crying. I felt bad for him but they told me the quicker I leave the easier it will be for him. I waited around the corner from his class room until he stopped crying which didn't take too long.
He's so little and cute.
Burnin' down the house...Erin started the fire! OK, so, the county we live in always does trick or treating on the Thursday night before Halloween and gives the kids Friday off of school. We went over to Deric and Heidi's house last night to take Noah trick or treating and to carve pumpkins. Well, Noah got this cute treat bag for his birthday from the Nazelrod's. The Nazelrod's stopped by and I had the bag in my hand and for some reason I put it down right on top of a lit candle. We were all standing outside when Chris says, "um...something is on fire...No, REALLY!" We turn around and sure enough flames. Heath ended up getting it outside right after Heidi threw it on their hard wood floor to stomp it out.:) The damage wasn't too bad. Just a spot on their desk and the candle didn't look too great. It could have been a lot worse. That was a stinkin' cute treat bag that Michelle made. I'll never live that one down (kind of like the mashed potato story).
Dear Michelle, I'm sorry I caught the really cute treat bag you made on fire. Please forgive me! Your Friend, Erin P.
My husband the artist.
The cutest frog in the whole entire wide world.
Noah was not too into trick or treating this year. He didn't want to wear his cute scarecrow costume but he went for camo pj's instead.
The cute scarecrow costume.
Heath wasn't too into trick or treating either so Heidi went with us. Thanks Heidi we love you!
On Thursday night in some of the small townships the fire department comes out and sounds a siren to begin the trick or treating. It lasts an hour to an hour and a half depending of the township and cute old ladies sit outside on their front porches with bowls of candy.
We have been using theives essential oil to help avoid the swine flu. No luck on getting our hands on the vaccine just yet.
Noah is still saying funny things, Asher knows how to get attention by coughing, I mowed the lawn today, and I'm tired. It's true that I think it's funny that in the movie Cheaper By The Dozen the kids don't know what grounded is until the Dad is "in charge". Also true that my house is a mess and I'm getting priorities in order.
Heath and I are really watching our budget and really trying to pinch our pennies. We have agreed to discuss every purchase. Well, I like my hair short and It usually cost anywhere from $20 to $30 to get my hair cut and in order for me to feel good about it I like to get it cut every 2 to 3 months. It's been about 5 months. Heath said he would cut it today when we got home from stake conference. Yes, I trust him enough and plus it grows back. Well, he got it wet and combed it and then chickened out. I ended up cutting it myself. Heath helped in the back a little. I thought it turned out pretty well for my first time. Now that I know I can do it, I can get a hair cut anytime I want and for free.
Heath teaching Noah how to read on the potty. ;o)
Noah calls any tall building the Tower of Pisa.
He calls ladybugs babybugs.
He starts preschool this week.
When he wants me to pick him up he says, "hold you?"
Heath spoke at stake conference last night and did a great job. He always does. It's true that our house is being invaded by babybugs. Also true that Heath slept in his suit last night.
While at the doctor yesterday for Noah, Dr. Reynold's told me that they were out of the regular flu vaccine but should be getting the swine flu vaccine in any time. I asked him if he recommended the vaccine for swine flu. He said he did. I asked if he is going to give it to his kids. He said they already have it. He said that it is more deadly than the regular flu and attacking more of the younger population than the regular flu. He said the flu shot that they ordered for the kids has no mercury. I have been debating and have decided I think our entire family should get it. At Dr. Reynold's office they said that they were reserving all the doses for children, so I don't know if Heath and I will be able to get a shot anyway. But Heath is at school a lot and Noah is starting pre-school. They will both be around a lot of people. Asher cannot afford to get the flu. It would be more devastating to him then to other 9 month old babies because of his low weight. Plus, I have not heard of anyone dieing from the vaccination but I have heard of people dieing from the swine flu. Go HERE for more info. I understand that you can find tons of info on the internet to support both sides but this is a site that I follow.
Also, ARE YOU PREPARED? Lots of people have been talking about an epidemic or a pandemic (I'm not sure what the difference is and I don't want to take the time to look it up right now) anyway, if this happens, it's possible that we will be quarantined to our homes from anywhere between 3 months to a year (that's the word on the street). Just make sure you have enough food, soap, toothpaste, etc. for your family. Prophets have been telling us to do this for 75 years or more. If you haven't done it by now, I hope it's not too late. Not to scare you but listen to the prophet, would ya? Or if scaring you gets you moving, I hope this scares you :) Good luck, happy preparing:) Oh, also see HERE (but if your already feeling bad, don't see there).
Just a note to my non-Mormon friends: I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (to learn more go HERE). The church is organized like the church was organized in the time of Christ. We have a prophet and apostles who lead our church. The prophet is called of God and receives revelation for our church as a whole. Prophets for years have encouraged us to get a year supply of food, clothing and fuel where possible. This is to help us be self sufficient in times of depressions, job loss, or other poor circumstances. Also wanted to make it known that I do not have a years supply and am also working on it like you. If you have any ideas you want to share I welcome them.
It snowed again Saturday. Heath got Noah all geared up in his snow suit, coat, hat, scarf, mittens, and snow boots and they were off to play in the snow. When they returned I could hear them approaching the front door. Noah crying and Heath trying to comfort. Noah came in with a red nose and tears streaming down his face. I promised him a trip outside later and maybe a trip to see Deric and Heidi (Dedic and Highy). As the day warmed up the snow mostly melted. Noah looked out the window and said, "Snow where are you?" in the cutest little voice.
I can't believe how grown up he is. He starts preschool in a few weeks. I have to admit I'm a little nervous. I wouldn't start him this early but he wouldn't be able to have speech therapy if I didn't. He'll go 2 days a week for 2 and a half to 3 hours. We went to see Dr. Reynolds yesterday for Noah's check up. He's in the 85th %ile for height and 65th for weight. There was some mention of getting Noah checked for autism from his previous speech therapist. When I mentioned it to Dr. Reynolds he had no concern at all. Noah is very social expecially when we go see Dr. Reynolds. Plus, I looked up autism on the internet and Noah just didn't seem to fit the profile. Dr. Reynolds talked about something else (I can't remember what he called it) but said that generally children grow out of it.
Soon Asher will be seeing an occupational therapist for his arm, a dietitian for his weight gain, and a speech therapist to desensitize his gag reflex and help him with the textures of food. Thank goodness they will all be coming to our house. It's rare that I see a week that we don't have a doctors appointment of some kind:)
One of Noah's favorite books is Where The Wild Things Are. I wanted to maybe take him to the movie but I heard it was a little scary. Maybe when he's older. It's true that Noah calls Snow White, Snow Wipe (sounds cold). Also true that Heath is 28 and his family still calls him Heathy. Also, wondering if you're giving your child the swine flu shot and why or why not.
Asher HAD to stay inside. He's got a little cold. We put a hat on him anyway so he didn't feel left out.
Noah was frozen. I had to drag him in because really he would stay outside forever if I let him and he didn't exactly have the right snow gear on. Noah is such a funny kid. His new thing is saying "oh, dear!" when things aren't going so well. His talking is improving so much that we can actually have a little conversation. I feel like he's my little buddy now and we're getting to know each other better. Heath seems to think he'll be able to take him hunting earlier then he thought. Noah will say randomly in a whispering voice, "Shhh, a deer." I got a new calling. Young Womens president. I have a great counselor and there seems to be a lot of work to be done. We are going to the pumpkin patch tomorrow with the Nazelrod's and the Ence's.
It's true that I'm putting off potty training because I'm not quite sure how I want to go about it. Also true that Noah shared one of his trains with Asher the other day...and a friendship created.
He's a Grad student. He makes pots. He likes hunting and hanging out with his boys. You can visit his blog at www.checkoutmyblogatmyblog.blogspot.com (or click the picture).
"We artist are indestructible, even in a prison cell or a concentration camp I would be almighty in my own world of art. Even if I had to paint my pictures with my wet tongue on the dusty floor of my cell." - Pablo Picasso
Asher helps me develop faith. He has a nerve injury on his right arm. He also has trouble gaining weight. He sees an occupational therapist 2 times a week. He is sweet and shy but has a funny personality.
this is our story.
i called him. he said yes. he kissed me. i said, "i love you." he said, "i like you twelve." (that equals i love you.) he said "will you?" i said, "yes". we got married. he started school. we had noah. i became a mom. he became an artist. we moved to pa. he became a grad student. then came asher and i became the mom of 2. we moved back to utah. he became a teacher. me? the mom of three. we are happy. we are blessed.
Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. - Emily Buchwald
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